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The RPO was founded in 1946 by Thomas Beecham and played its first concert in Croydon on September 15, 1946. Beecham was principal conductor until his death in 1961. He was followed by then assistant conductor Rudolf Kempe, who was given the title of Conductor for Life in 1970. Subsequent musical directors and principal conductors have been Antal Doráti (1975-78), Walter Weller (1980-85), André Previn (1985-92), Vladimir Ashkenazy (1987-94). Yuri Temirkanov was appointed principal conductor in 1992, and Daniele Gatti music director in 1996.

The orchestra toured the United States in 1950, thus becoming the first British orchestra to visit America since the London Symphony Orchestra in 1912.

As well as performing works from the classical repertoire, the RPO has recorded a number of filmFor other uses see film (disambiguation Film — also called movies the cinema the silver screen moving pictures motion pictures photoplays picture shows and flicks — is a field that encompasses motion pictures as an art form or as part of the entertainment scores, including those for Michael PowellMichael Latham Powell ( September 30, 1905- February 19, 1990) was a British film director, renowned for his partnership with Emeric Pressburger which produced many classic British films, the majority through their The Archers film production company. and Emeric PressburgerEmeric Pressburger ( December 5, 1902 Miskolc February 5, 1988) was a Hungarian-born English screenwriter, director, and producer most famous for his collaborations with Michael Powell under the banner of The Archers. He was also closely associated with b's The Red ShoesThis is an article about a film by Powell & Pressburger. For the album by Kate Bush see The Red Shoes''. The Red Shoes ( 1948) is a British film directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. The inventive, self-referential plot of this film tells the. It recorded the Hooked on Classics series of records, and has also recorded several orchestra arrangements of pop tunes by the likes of Pink FloydPink Floyd is a British psychedelic rock band famous for its songwriting, harmonic classical rock compositions, bombastic style and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd is one of rock's most successful acts, ranking seventh in number of albums sold worldwide., QueenFreddie Mercury Queen is a British rock band which was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The group is well known for its sports anthems and classic rock radio staples, particularly the hits " We Are the Champions" and " Bohemian Rhapsody;" the band promoted and ABBAABBA (although an acronym the name is often written as Abba was a Swedish pop music group, the most successful to date from that country. The group was formed around 1970 by Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, and the. Recently, the orchestra has become closely associated with Classic FMClassic FM was the UK's first national commercial radio station. It broadcasts classical music in a popular and accessible style. Its DJs include Aled Jones, Stephen Fry, David Mellor and Lesley Garrett. Past DJs include Paul Gambaccini and Henry Kelly.. The official version of the theme music for the UEFA Champions League was recorded by the RPO.

Associated with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra which is devoted to playing lighter classics. It was formed in 1987.

Other London-based orchestras include the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, the Philharmonia and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.